A NEW bike scheme is coming to Dorset in a bid to boost access to an employment site and visitor attractions.

A new bikeshare scheme, delivered by Beryl in partnership with Dorset Council and South Western Railway, is set to boost access to employment and visitor attractions while further encouraging sustainable commuting.

The UK’s leading micromobility provider has launched 10 bikes and six parking bays at the Dorset Innovation Park and Wool railway station with further bays available in Bovington.

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: "Our core aim is to inspire more people to take up sustainable travel options, reducing road congestion and improving air quality and public health.

"Not only will this scheme provide seamless integration with rail services for hundreds of workers at Dorset Innovation Park, it will help people get around the area in a fun, sustainable and cost-effective manner.

"This has been designed to provide the best service for users by being delivered both in partnership with the authority and in consultation with communities."

Funded by £57,500 from the South Western Railway’s Customer and Communities Fund (CCIF) and £15,000 from Dorset Council and Wool Parish Council, the scheme aims to encourage more people to leave their car at home when commuting to and from the park.

The bikes will give workers the option of a 10-minute cycle ride either to or from Wool railway station, normally a 40-minute walk.

The park currently employs 804 people across 36 companies and is set for a £14.6m investment after Dorset Council approved funding last week. This could add a further 1,200 jobs in years to come.

The scheme will also complement bus services, boosting access to nearby visitor attractions such as Bovington tank museum, Monkey World, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

South Western Railway spokeswoman Veronika Krcalova, said: “South Western Railway is excited to be joining with Beryl, Wool Parish Council and Dorset Council to deliver this new project.

"We're always looking for new and innovative ways to support the communities that we serve, and this initiative will allow more people to leave their cars at home and complete their journey using the railway and bikes - both sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to travel."

Riders have a payment choice of £1 unlock fee + 5p per minute, or Minute Bundles (no unlock fee and bundles starting at 100 minutes for £5)

Alternatively, there is a Day Pass (24 hours of unlimited riding for £12).

Once their ride is complete, users simply close the lock on the bike to complete their ride and make it available for the next person to use.

For more information, visit: www.beryl.cc/bikeshare/riders